August 2006 - Minister visits IDP’s in Kantale

Forest Fire - Imbulpe DSD, Rathnapura District :
Effective disaster management methods to control forest fire

A forest fire in a forest reserve in Imbulpe Divisional Secretariat Division, Rathnapura District occurred on 17, 18, 20 and 21 July 2009. Due to this fire, approximately 20 Hectares of the forest was destroyed. The affected areas in detail are 02 Hectares of Raththanagolla - Nonperial road, Blihuloya in Yakdehi Grama Niladhari Division (GND); 01 Hectare of Raththanagolla- Nonperial Section;  05 Hectares of Galpothuthenna in Kumburutheniwela GND12 Hectares of Pupuruwela- Viharawela in Viharawela GND.  The fire was successfully controlled by 21 July evening with great efforts of the teams from the Forest Department, DDMCU Staff, SL Army teams of Kuruwita Camp and University Students of Belihuloya University. Making fire lanes and using fresh leave branches and rakes to stop spreading the fire was some of the successful methods used in managing the disaster.

Forest fire

Carrying fresh leave to control the fire

Making Fire Lanes

Community Awareness Programmes on Forest Fire Control - Kuttapitiya, Pelmadulla DSD

Kuttapitiya in Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD), Ratnapura District is one of the identified areas of forest fire occurrences due to human activities. During the last few years, several incidences of forest fire were reported in the area. In order to raise awareness in the community on forest fire control, the DDMCU coordinated response support with the most supportive partners. Seeking a long lasting solution, a series of awareness programmes for the communities living along the boundary of the natural forest areas are being conducted.  So far, 02 such awareness programmes have been completed. The most recent programme was held at Kuttapitiya School on 20-08-2009. The 25 participants were from the border area of the forest. They were made aware of the forest fire preventive measures and early warning. A Fire Prevention Committee was also set up at this programme. The next awareness programme is scheduled to be conducted by way of door- to -door visits.